Desenvolvimento de tubos bioabsorvíveis de gelatina/quitosana.

Abstract

Biopolymers such as gelatin and chitosan are important raw materials for various medical applications. The main reasons are their availability, biocompatibility, bioactivity and bioabsorption. This research aimed to develop a method to manufacture tubes based on gelatin/chitosan blends with controlled dimensions. Characteristics and physical behaviors were evaluated by swelling, biodegradation, mechanical compression tests, optical and scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetry. Three types of tubes were produced by this process with excellent dimension control, as their average variations in dimension were smaller than 5%. Biodegradation occurred initially by partial dissolution followed by chemical changes that resulted in decreased mechanical properties and tendency to yellowing. Samples evaluated in the presence of lysozyme and manufactures with glycerin displayed better mechanical properties or thermal stability. Tubes manufactured by lyophilization had lamellar spongy structures with a rough surface. In general, the process developed is promising for the manufacture of these products, mainly due to the easy processing and low cost, flexibility of parameters and the possibilities of application.